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It is very important to remind travellers to the Philippines, especially if they are going to make multiple trips to the Philippines, that upon arrival, they must have an outgoing ticket. Otherwise, they are not allowed to enter the country and will be forced to leave. The Terminal complex is about 12 kms. from the Swagman Manila Hotel. Swagman provides a FREE shuttle service from the airport to the hotel. Swagman representatives (in uniform) will meet you at the arrival lobby. It is recommended that you advise our Australian or Manila office of your pending arrival and give the flight number and date. If the guest does not make contact with our representatives upon arrival, they should call Swagman Manila Hotel at 523-8541. Remember, when departing the Philippines you are required to pay P550.00 departure tax. AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION - FREE PICKUP AND DROP OFF For all Swagman Guests there is free airport pick up and drop off. This is valid for both the Manila International Airport, with transfer to and from the Manila Swagman Hotel, as well as transfer to and from the Domestic Airport. Upon arrival in the Philippines, there are no worries because a Swagman representative will be there to meet the guest and take them to the Swagman Hotel FREE. AQUALIFE DIVING ACADEMY - BORACAY Boracay is internationally known for its white beaches and beautiful tropical island atmosphere. As well as accommodation and transportation, great diving locations, dive tours, and scenic tours can be booked through any of our offices. Swagman has a travel office in Boracay and can make sure all booking are properly taken care of . For International Travellers, each passenger is allowed 20 kilos, including check in baggage, plus carry on luggage. The carry on luggage can be one bag for under the seat, and a hanging bag (suit bag). BAGUIO DOMESTIC AIRPORT - FREE PICK UP AND DROP OFF There is free transfer to and from the Domestic airport in Baguio City, in the Mountain Province to the north for all guests staying at the Swagman Baguio Attic inn. The airport is about 15 minutes from the hotel. Bookings for Domestic flights as well as land transportation can be made at any Swagman Travel office or hotel. One of the most popular tours of the Philippines is available from the Attic Inn, The Banaue adventure treks. Guests can see the 8th wonder of the world, the famous Banaue / Ifugao Rice Terraces carved out of the sides of the mountains. People from all over the world come to see this. Swagman has organized complete 4 day 3 night tours with all transportation. Lodging and Guides Included. Itinerary:
These tour packages, which were initially developed for our European travelers, are designed to accommodate the tourists arrival in Manila right through to their departure in Manila. We pick them up at the airport, let them stay overnight at either our Manila branch or the Narra, then on to Baguio for another overnight prior to their venture trek to Banaue. We then bring them back to Baguio overnight, and reverse the procedures for their exit from the country. We also accommodate groups on a case by case basis with special prices. A banca is a small boat very common in tropical areas for local ocean transportation. They are similar to a small catamaran with 2 stabilizing bamboo runners on the sides, for rough ocean travelling. A Barangay is a large set of small neighborhoods called barrios in one area. There is a barangay councilman as head of these areas. In most countries in Asia and Southeast Asia, prices are negotiable. It is common practice to bargain and haggle with the dealers. Clients should shop around and get an idea of prices of items before buying and then bargain to get the price down. A barrio is the Filipino (Tagalog) word for small rural district. It is similar to neighborhood, unified under one specific Barrio Location. There are several barrios in a barangay. Duck pin bowling is available in San Fernando, La Union, not far from the La Union Swagman Travel office. Pin boys are still being used. About 10 minutes from the Angeles Narra at Dau Mabalacat, is another duck pin bowling with pin boys. Ten pin bowling is available in many locations in Manila. The nearest is Taft Avenue, 15 minutes from the Manila Swagman Hotel. Lawn bowling is also available. At the Copa Cabana Beach Resort, San Fernando La Union. (See Lawn Bowling in this section) The Swagman offers convenient transportation between the Swagman Hotels and Travel offices. A comprehensive Business Center operates in all locations, providing Phone, fax, mail services and also Internet Cafe and general computer services Government and private offices are open 8/9 AM to 5/6 PM., Mondays to Fridays, with a lunch break from noon until 1 PM. Some private offices are open from 9 AM to noon on Saturdays. Most shops are open from 9/10 am to 7/8 PM, Mondays to Saturdays. Some are open on Sundays until noon and those geared to the tourist trade usually open the whole day. Banking hours are from 9 AM to 3/4 PM except Saturdays and Sundays when banks are closed. Calesas are horse drawn carriages usually seating 2 to 3 passengers. Adopted from the Spanish, Calesas have become popular in the Philippines. They are more prominent in the provinces but some are still available in the bigger cities. There are several casinos located throughout the Philippines and located conveniently near Swagman Hotels. MacArthur Highway, Balibago, Angeles City (5 minutes from the Swagman Narra Hotel, Angeles) (15 minutes from the Swagman Manila Hotel - Holiday Inn) Located in Manila, Chinatown is near Santa Cruz and Quiapo with many electronics stores and street markets. It is about 10 minutes from the Swagman Manila Hotel and 5 minutes from the Central Post Office. Most of the residents, shop owners and restaurateurs are Chinese. Fully operational catering for charter flights. In the near future scheduled flights are expected . Travellers to Angeles City can travel with the convenience of Clark Air Services, a local airline that operates between Manila and the new Clark International Airport. Services are also operated between Manila and Baguio The Philippines has a tropical climate with a relatively high humidity, mild temperature, abundant rainfall and gentle winds. There are three pronounced seasons; the wet or rainy season from June to October, the cool, dry season from November to February and hot dry season from March to May. Temperatures range from 21 to 32 Celsius (70 to 90 Fahrenheit) with a 27 Celsius (80.6 Fahrenheit) average. The coolest month is January, averaging 25.5 Celsius (77.9 Fahrenheit), and the warmest is May, averaging 28 Celsius (82.4 Fahrenheit). Both temperature and humidity are highest in April and May. These are generally good months to engage in aquasport and mountain trekking activities and to observe some of the most colorful festivals. There is a marked difference in temperature as altitude increases. For example, Baguio City, nestled 1,524 meters up in the Cordillera Mountains in Northern Luzon, has an average temperature of 64.4 Fahrenheit, 18 degrees centigrade. Click here to see the current weather in the Philippines. Light, casual clothes are recommended for travelling in the Philippines. (See Swagman Yacht) The Philippines currency is the Filipino peso, adopted from the Spanish system. Coins range from 1 centavo (centimo) to 5 pesos. The bills range from 5 pesos to 1000 pesos. As with many countries throughout the world, each denomination is a different color. When coming into the country, currencies can be converted at any Swagman Hotel or Travel Agency location at very competitive rates. As with all international travel, customs is very strict. All bags will be inspected and contraband will be confiscated. Drug possession is a serious offence in the Philippines, punishable by death. The International Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is located about 30 minutes from the Swagman Manila Hotel. The Departure Tax is P550 (Five Hundred Fifty Pesos) or US$ 20. Travellers must have all correct documentation and airline tickets upon departure. Tourists who are duly licensed to operate a motor vehicle in their respective countries are allowed to drive motor vehicles in the Philippines for a duration of 90 days from arrival. After 90 days of stay, any tourist or transient visitor still desiring to operate a motor vehicle shall pay fees and obtain and carry a valid license as provided by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and follow the Traffic Code of the Philippines. Power supply in the country is 220 volts, 60 cycles, except in Baguio City, and Angeles City which is 110 volts and 220 both. Most hotels in Metro Manila have 220 volt outlets. Click here to see a list of Embassies and their contact details. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS - ENTERING THE PHILIPPINES A valid passport is required for all travelers. Visas may be obtained from any Philippine Diplomatic or Consular Office abroad. Visas are not required of bonafide tourists for a stay of twenty-one (21) days provided they possess valid passports, and have air or ship tickets for their onward or return journey. Visitors who wish to remain longer than the authorized initial stay of 21 days may apply for an extension with any Swagman Hotel or Travel location throughout the country. However it is advisable to obtain your 59 day visa before entering the Philippines. Swagman Travel Service will take care of additional visa requirements.
Flight confirmation can be done at any Swagman Hotel or Travel office. The Philippines lies on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, north of the equator and about one thousand kilometer from the Asian mainland. It is composed of 7,107 islands (during low tide) scattered over a distance of 1,850 kilometers from north to south and 965 kilometers from west to east. The southernmost island group of Tawi-Tawi is only 24 kilometers from Borneo and the northernmost part of the chain, the Batanes Islands, is 161 kilometers South of Taiwan. The land area of the archipelago is about 299,404 sq. kilometers but more than 90 per cent of the total land area is represented by only 11 islands. The coastline of the Philippines is about twice the size that of the United States. It is washed on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by the South China Sea and on the south and southwest by the Celebes and Sulu Seas, respectively. The Philippine Deep, a trench in the ocean floor off the east coast of Mindanao and the Visayas, is 10,600 kilometers. It is the world�s second deepest sounding. The Philippines is divided into three island groups: Luzon in the north; the Visayas in the center; and Mindanao in the south. Luzon, with an area of 104,688 sq. kms. is the largest island, followed by Mindanao, 94,630 sq. kms. and Samar, 13,080 sq. kms. The other major islands are Negros, 12,705 sq. kms., Palawan, 11,785 sq. kms., Panay, 11,515 sq. kms., Mindoro, 9,735 sq. kms., Leyte, 7,214 sq. kms., Cebu, 4,422 sq. kms., Bohol, 3,865 sq. kms., and Masbate, 3,269 sq. kms. The last four islands - Leyte, Bohol, Masbate, Cebu, together with Samar, Negros and Panay islands are generally referred to as the Visayas. At Clark Air Base, there is exciting Go Kart Racing for the race enthusiast. Anyone can participate. For the more daring, there is Drag Racing (See Drag Racing). There are excellent golf courses throughout the Philippines. The Swagman has it's own golf club and has regular golf outings as well as tournaments. Any golf desires can be arranged including reservations, equipment rentals, equipment repairs and lots of eager golfers. For a list of Golf Courses and Tours, click here.
Many historical tours are available such as the Island of Corregidor, departure point of General Douglas MacArthur where he said, "I shall return!". There are also the sights of the Bataan Death March and the sights of 3 former US Military facilities:
Many diving and scuba tours are also available centering around historical sights. In Subic Bay, Olongapo, there are wreck dive tours of US and Japanese ships. In Puerto Galera (the port of the Galleons) there are sunken Spanish Galleons, and there is excellent natural underwater scenery.
In addition to the above holidays, special public holidays are declared by the President to commemorate other occasions of historical significance. Most towns and cities observe their foundation days as a special local holiday. The Swagman is on-line. To contact the Swagman from anywhere in the world by the Internet, our address is webmaster@swaggy.com No inoculations required. Jeepneys are the common medium sized passenger vehicle used throughout the Philippines. They evolved from the U.S. Army jeeps (GP or General Purpose Vehicles) left in the Philippines from the war. They now have become quite sophisticated jeeps and usually accommodate as many as 12 people as an open air type minibus. The national language of the Philippines is Philipino (or Tagalog). A Malay type language with a lot of Spanish and American influence. English is still commonly accepted and spoken throughout most of the country. Language - Important words and phrases for the traveller: LANGUAGE - TAGALOG - TAGALOG ENGLISH
A fully regulation type and size lawn bowling court is located at the Copa Cabana hotel beach resort, San Fernando, La Union. It is about 4 hours north of the Swagman Angeles Narra Hotel, right across from Swagman Travel Office, La Union. There are many malls which are located within an hour of the Manila Swagman Hotel. Two of the most popular, the Megamall and Shangrila shopping centers are located on Edsa (the major thoroughfare of Manila) and have several floors and hundreds of department stores, shops and restaurants. A new mall featuring hundreds of modern shops is located withing walking distance of the Manila Hotel for those last minute souvineers and items. MANILA - NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION Manila is the capital of the Philippines. The population is approximately 9 million people. There are excellent hospitals and clinics in the Philippines with well-trained personnel to meet any medical need. Doctors can easily be found by consulting your Swagman Hotel Travel Staff. Visitors taking medicines or prescriptions should carry an adequate supply for the visit, or take a copy of the original prescription, in case it needs to be renewed. NINOY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MANILA Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the Manila International Airport, receiving flights from all countries. Swagman gives FREE airport pick up and drop off for all Swagman Guests. It is located about 30 minutes from the Swagman Hotel Manila. The population of the Philippines is approximately 67 million people with almost 15% of the population residing in Manila with a population of over 9 million. The Philippines is a member of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) and has regular mail service to almost all countries of the world. All Swagman Hotels offer the service of posting mail for the guests. Local mail is P2.00 and International mail averages around P8.00. Upon arriving at any Swagman resort or hotel, the guests get a privilege card. This card entitles the bearer to a 5% discount anytime he/she stays at any Swagman resort/hotel. The Philippines is the only predominately Christian country in Asia with approximately 85% Christian (Roman Catholic), 4% Muslim, 4% Aglipayan, 3% Protestant, 1% Iglesia ni Cristo, 3% Buddhist and Taoist. See Climate For the adventurers, the Swagman now offers scuba diving lessons. Introductory lessons can be given with the follow-on requirements completed at either Olongapo, Zambales or Puerto Galera, Mindoro. Swagman can make any arrangements, including dive cruises on the Swagman Yacht, The Thor Viking. Most major cities have taxis. Taking a taxi in Manila is quite convenient and reasonably priced. There are 2 rules for taking taxis. First, never ride in a taxi without a meter and second, always make the driver use the meter. Otherwise, get another taxi. If guests do this, they will have no problems. Overseas calls can be booked from any Swagman Resort as well as International Telex and Fax. Tennis is a popular sport in the Philippines. Tennis is available at or near the following locations: Swagman Hotel Manila
Angeles Narra Hotel
Apuao Grande Island - Right at the resortPhilippines time is GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) plus 8 hours. It is 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Time. Philippines is the same time as Hong Kong. ULTRA-LIGHT (MICRO-LIGHT) FLYING Another one of the many Swagman activities is learning to fly Ultra-light aircraft. These are 1 or 2 seater single engine aircraft and are very exciting. Lessons and rides are available near the Swagman Narra Hotel Angeles. The Swagman rents cars, vans, minibuses and full size busses. Professional Drivers also available. All foreigners coming into the country must have a VISA or get a VISA waiver. Foreigners must never over stay. If they over stay even one day, they will be deported. Water in Metro Manila and in the rest of the country is officially potable, except in some remote rural areas. Mineral water is available and recommended and is available in all Swagman Hotels. |
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The
Filipino Flag evolved from many designs. The current design is
symbolic. The 3 stars represent the 3 main islands of the
Philippines; Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The sun represents the
nation of the Philippine's. The 8 rays symbolize the first 8
provinces.